National Heritage Festival Display

Visit our exhibition about the life and working conditions for children in Port Melbourne from 100 years ago.

This display is available for viewing from February 27 to June 5 2025.

Read tales and see treasures from 100 years ago!

During the 1920s many families struggled to feed, clothe and house
themselves. Jobs on the wharves and at sea were scarce. The 1928 Dock Strike put families at risk and finally the worldwide depression from 1931 affected the whole country. In spite of this, many people fondly recall their childhood spent in Port Melbourne during those years.

Come and see the exhibition to find out more about the schooling, sport, recreation and working conditions for children in Port Melbourne.

This display is part of our series of programs for National Heritage Month. Use this link to explore all of the programs we have on offer.

This exhibition has been put together by Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society with items from their collection. They illustrate aspects of childhood in Port Melbourne between the two world wars of the last century.